Adhesives

Sticking
things together is an age-old problem but the first archeological evidence
we have of the use of an adhesive dates back about 6,000 years to broken
ceramic jars found repaired with tree resin. Statues from ancient Babylonian
temples have also been found to have ivory eyeballs glued into eye sockets
with a tar-like substance. So glue is not new but today's adhesives are
a far cry from those of yesteryear.

Adhesives
from Amazon:

Today
there are essentially three broad categories of adhesive in use: rubber,
acrylic and silicone.Rubber adhesives are based on natural or synthetic rubbers, formulated
with resins, oils and anti-oxidants. Rubber is the most cost effective
PSA* and offers quick stick capability but is not recommended for high
heat applications.Acrylic polymers are used to manufacture acrylic adhesives, which
generally age better and resist solvents and environmental factors more
effectively than rubber based glue. They develop a stronger bond and are
less susceptible to higher temperatures.

Silicone adhesives are made from a process that turns elemental
silicon metal made from sand (silica) into a rubbery polymer when cured.
Silicone adhesives are relatively expensive but can withstand much higher
temperatures (500-600F) than both rubber and acrylic adhesives. A special
silicone adhesive is used to bond the heat shield tiles on the space shuttle.

*Pressure
Sensitive Adhesives do not require solvent, water or heat to be activated.
The bond is formed by the amount of pressure applied to the adhesive.